Adams S L
Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois.
Ann Intern Med. 1988 Sep 1;109(5):399-405. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-109-5-399.
Leeches have been used in health care since ancient times by physician and layman alike. As just one of several methods of bloodletting, the leech became the focus of a science that included such subjects as indications, modes of attachment, complications, and relative contraindications. The popularity of leeching has varied immensely over the years. In the 19th century, this annelid saw its numbers decimated because of protean medicinal indications. The leech lost its hold on the practice of medicine in the early 20th century. Recently, the use of leeches has resurged in both the lay and the scientific communities.
自古以来，医生和普通人都在医疗保健中使用水蛭。作为放血的几种方法之一，水蛭成为一门科学的焦点，这门科学涵盖了适应症、附着方式、并发症和相对禁忌症等主题。多年来，水蛭疗法的受欢迎程度差异极大。在19世纪，由于其多样的药用适应症，这种环节动物的数量大幅减少。水蛭在20世纪初失去了在医学实践中的地位。最近，水蛭在普通人群和科学界的使用再度兴起。
